Proximocast: Industry news

05 August - New solar auctions and hydro tender coming this month in Ecuado

In today's news:
Warburg Pincus-backed Trident Energy has put in place a reserve-based lending acquisition financing to fund its $1 billion purchase of the Pampo and Enchova oil clusters in Brazil from Petrobras.
Ecuador plans to launch an auction for the 200MW El Aromo solar PV project and the 46MW Villonaco II and 56MW Villonaco III wind concessions on 28 August.
Neoen has acquired full ownership of eight operational wind farms in Ireland with total capacity of 53.4 MW.

02 August - Nick Hann's successor is announced at CIB

In today's news:
John Casola has been appointed acting Head of Investments at Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). For more on this topic, read our Proximo Perspective. 
A United States Senate committee has passed a bill to impose sanctions on companies and individuals involved in building Nord Stream 2, a gas pipeline that will move gas from Russia to Germany.
I Squared Capital's ISQ Global Infrastructure Fund II has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with North American electric power sector firm Twenty First Century Utilities.
The Board of Munich Airport has announced Jost Lammers as it's next president and CEO to succeed Michael Kerkloh who will retire after 17 years of leading the Group.
France's Proparco, the International Finance Corporation, and the European Investment Bank, have granted loans totaling €38 million for the construction and operation of two solar power plants in Senegal.

01 August - Portugal tender hosts lowest ever PV bid

In today's news:
The Corner Brook Health Partnership (CBHP) – a consortium comprising Plenary Group, PCL Constructors, Marco Services, and Johnson Controls – is to issue C$290.7 million ($221 million) of bonds to finance the 164-bed Corner Brook Acute Care Hospital P3 project in Canada.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has entered into an agreement with TC Energy to acquire three combined-cycle gas-fired power plants in Ontario for $2.87 billion.
Portugal’s 1.4GW solar tender has produced the lowest ever bid globally for PV – €14.8/MWh.
The European Investment Bank plans to stop funding new fossil fuel-reliant projects by the end of 2020, according to a draft of its new energy strategy.

30 July - Davenport Diamond rail grade separation contract awarded

In the news:
Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx have awarded a $175 million Canadian fixed-price contract to design, build and finance the Davenport Diamond Rail Grade Separation project, part of Metrolinx's GO Rail Expansion program
Engie has been awarded a 25-year government contract to set up and operate a 29MW biomass heating plant in Pamplona, Spain
Argentinian energy company YPF Energia Electrica has issued $400 million in 7-year notes after receiving strong interest for its placement.

29 July - EU approves French offshore wind FiTs

In the news:
Greenko Energy Holdings, backed by sovereign wealth funds GIC Holdings and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, has raised $950 million from the sale of certified green bonds.
The Namibian utility NamPower is planning to install 220MW of renewable capacity by 2023 to reduce the country's dependence on imported electricity.
The European Commission has found French support in the form of 20 year feed in tariffs for six offshore wind farms in French territorial waters to be in line with EU State aid rules.
 

25 July - Italy sets dates for seven renewables auctions

In today's news:
Argentine thermal and renewable energy producer Genneia SA has secured the financing for the 151MW Puerto Madryn II wind project, the second stage of the 222-MW Parque Eolico Madryn complex.
Law firm White & Case has added Armando Rivera Jacobo as a partner in its Global Project Development and Finance Practice in New York.
Italy has set the dates for seven renewable energy auctions as part of a €5.4 billion plan to meet EU-mandated renewable energy targets.
The Ecuadorian government is expecting to allocate 500MW of wind, solar and mini hydropower capacity in an auction at the end of July.

24 July - US Solar Fund makes first acquisition

In the news:
IFM Investors has joined for a bid for MIRA’s 51% controlling stake in Hobart Airport.
  The UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has released a wave of new energy-related policy proposals.
US Solar Fund (USF) is making its first acquisition – the 128MWdc Milford Solar Project in Utah from Longroad Energy Partners.

23 July - Falck buys into Sicilian solar project

In the news:
Sirius Minerals is starting a market campaign to raise its 500 million dollar bond in London this upcoming Friday July 26th, which will need to be completed by September 2019.
Innogy and financial adviser MUFG are said to be in initial talks with banks for financing for the 325MW Kaskasi offshore wind project in Germany.
Falck Renewables has signed a preliminary agreement with Canadian Solar Group for the purchase of a 70% stake in Big Fish SPV, the owner of a 195MW Sicilian solar development project.